"Linear A"的定义和意义

What is "Linear A"?

Linear A is an ancient writing system used by the Minoan civilization on the island of Crete from around 1800 to 1450 BCE. This script consists of symbols that represent sounds and possibly syllables, but it has not been fully deciphered, leaving its language and meaning largely unknown. Linear A was primarily used for administrative and economic purposes, appearing on clay tablets and pottery. Although it shares some characteristics with Linear B, which represents an early form of Greek, Linear A remains distinct and is thought to represent a language that is unrelated to any known language family. Its significance in archaeology and linguistics lies in its role as a key artifact of Minoan culture, providing insights into their society and practices, despite the ongoing mystery surrounding its content.